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Friends, family remember Cheryl Williamson

Student fatally shot near nightclub

A Western Kentucky University student is shot and killed early Sunday near the Gillespie nightclub in downtown Louisville.

Friends, family remember Cheryl Williamson

Student fatally shot near nightclub

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Updated: 6:41 AM EDT Jun 3, 2013

LOUISVILLE, Ky. —

Friends and family members are remembering a Western Kentucky University student who was shot and killed in November.

Donetta Williamson’s daughter, 24-year-old Cheryl Williamson, would have been among the graduates, but the fashion and design student’s future was robbed when she was fatally shot near the Gillespie nightclub after getting into an argument with several men.

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"She had a dream and she fulfilled it, until at the end when this creep took her life," said Donetta Williamson. "She was determined that she was going to make it. She wanted a good life.”

The first of her family to make it in college, Williamson said her daughter never gave up despite the rough times and growing up in the projects.

"She said, ‘Girl, I’ll never quit,’” said relative Angela Williams.

Williams’ family and friends came together Sunday to celebrate her life and achievements just after her family was awarded with her diploma.

"I got her diploma and I'm going to hold it forever," said Williamson.

Messages on balloons were sent to Williamson.

“We’re just hurting. It is so painful, I can barely deal with it, you know, every time I look at pictures,” said Williamson.

No arrests have been made, relatives said.

"I want (the gunman) to pay for what he did. Show your face because you’re a coward. I’m praying every night and day that they catch him,” said Williamson. “The killers of Cheryl, you’re all going to get caught. Your days are coming.”

Williamson said she’s clinging to her last moments with her daughter.

“She said, ‘Well, mama, I’m going,’ and I said, ‘OK, I’ll see you later,’” said Williamson.

Williamson said she’s also clinging to hope that justice will be done.

“You know, you took a part out of us. Cheryl was my girl,” said Williamson.